Sales are essential for any business to survive. That's no stunning revelation - everybody knows this. However, even although most people are well aware of this, many of them profess an almost pathological dislike for selling and the sales process.

Face facts - if you want to work for yourself, you will have to sell - somehow or another. And that's the key - somehow or another.

A lot of people who fear selling have an image of trudging around from door to door (in the rain) carrying a battered suitcase in their hand. Knocking on doors, disturbing people and getting those doors slammed in their faces. Or maybe they're just afraid that someone will laugh at them and belittle their efforts.

Rejection. Nobody likes it - many people are afraid of it, that's just human nature. If you share this viewpoint there's nothing wrong with you - you're only human. More importantly, it certainly doesn't mean that you aren't suited to running your own business.

There are many different ways to sell - some of them are automatic and others minimise contact with the prospects to what most people would consider an acceptable level. Make sure that the opportunity you're evaluating is suitable for use with at least one or two sales techniques that you feel comfortable with.

Also check on what sales and marketing materials are available. If you don't like those which are provided then be sure that you are allowed to produce your own (possibly subject to approval).

Here are some possible sales techniques that you could employ:

• Selling on the internet
• Selling over the phone
• Selling door to door
• Putting fliers through doors
• Advertising in the press
• Handing out leaflets in shopping centres
• Approaching your family and friends
• Setting up a stall at local events
• Attending car boot sales
• Party evenings

There are others of course. No doubt some of the above suggestions fill you with fear - but could you do one or two of these? Maybe you wouldn't especially enjoy the process - but would the results be worth some slight discomfort if they took you nearer your goal?

If you really can't envisage yourself engaging in some sort of selling activity then all is not lost. You could consider partnering with someone who would be more adapted to the selling side of a business (maybe this could be your spouse).

Certainly, before you give up on your business dream because of a distaste for selling, you should investigate the possibilities for selling and recruiting using the internet. You might be surprised at just how easy this can be and the extremely high level of automation that can be achieved if you use the right system.

Hamish Hayward
http://www.selfstarters.co.uk/